Canadian Music Icon Bruce Cockburn Returns Home

July 28, 2009 · Filed Under Festival News, News

The Ottawa Folk Festival will be bringing home a local music icon whose music will make this year’s Festival (August 21 to 23) an unforgettable experience. Bruce Cockburn, whom some consider the ‘world’s finest solo performer’, will showcase his extraordinary talent on the Saturday evening Main Stage for what is certain to be a show of a lifetime. The Ottawa native is one of the most decorated Canadian musicians of all time, with a career that not only consists of 30 albums, 20 gold and platinum records, and 11 Juno Awards, but also includes an induction to the Canadian Music Hall of Fame, and recognition as an Officer of the Order of Canada.

Performing solo to the Britannia Park audience on Saturday evening will provide Cockburn with the perfect format to allow his incomparable musicianship and guitar prowess to shine through, and will treat listeners to his amazing catalogue of songs which have received over 250 cover versions from artists such as Jimmy Buffet, The Barenaked Ladies, Anne Murray, Ani DiFranco and the late Jerry Garcia.

In March 2009, Cockburn released his first-ever live solo album, a double CD entitled Slice of Life. The album was recorded last spring while Cockburn toured the northeastern United States with one stop in Quebec. It showcases his finest songs and some of his most astounding guitar work. The album also includes one new song, ‘City is Hungry’, three tracks recorded at sound checks on the tour, and some between-song banter that shows Cockburn to be both a quick wit and engaging storyteller.

The Ottawa Folk Festival takes place at Britannia Park from August 21 to August 23, 2009 and features over 50 acts including: Bruce Cockburn, Steven Page, The Sadies, Amy Millan, Joel Plaskett, and Kinnie Starr. Some of the major themes at this year’s Festival include Gardening, Sound Healing, Instrument Building, Cross-Cultural Interaction, and Audience Participation. The Festival features a Dance Tent, environmental and gardening displays and discussions, “build-your-own-ukulele” workshops, Cajun, Swing and Latin dance lessons, and yoga instruction.

Tags: folk music, Folkfest, live music, Ottawa Festivals, Ottawa Folk Festival, Ottawa Folkfest, outdoor concert